Lough Erne Resort

The luxurious Lough Erne Resort sits on an impressive estate that spans 600 acres of beautiful green grounds that include two championship golf courses. Situated on a peninsula surrounded by two lakes, Castle Hume Lough and Lough Erne, the resort consists of a stately cream-colored main building, as well as many private lodges dotting the waterfront, some of which feature a turret design. The resort is modern, having been built in 2007, but interiors are classic and elegant, with old-world style details that evoke another era. The expansive common areas are decorated in a color palette that favors cream, tan, and rich burgundy, with loads of seating and cozy corners. The spaces are illuminated by large windows overlooking the green lawns and water, and are full of sumptuous damask patterned couches and armchairs, dark wood furnishings, fireplaces, and antique style pieces. The hotel’s restaurants range from the refined Catalina Restaurant where glass chandeliers dangle over white tablecloths and plush curtains frame the windows, to the equally elegant but more relaxed Blaney Bar, full of round tables and some comfortable couches on a geometrically patterned wooden floor.

The resort attracts leisure travelers seeking a luxurious countryside retreat or spa and golf breaks, as well as business travelers, as the property is a popular conference spot and was even home to the G8 summit in 2013. The spacious lodges are popular with groups and families, and suit extended stays.

The Lough Erne Resort is located in Fermanagh, situated on a peninsula surrounded by two lakes, Castle Hume Lough and its namesake Lough Erne. The peaceful countryside location includes 600 acres of beautiful green grounds and golf courses. The resort is an 11-minute drive to Enniskillen, the nearest town, where travelers will find several restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as sights including the Enniskillen Castle and, a bit farther away, Castle Coole. Travelers will need a car, as there is not much within walking distance of the property besides the expansive grounds.

The hotel has Lakeside Rooms and Lakeside Suites available, as well as Lodge Rentals suited to extended stays. Rooms are traditionally decorated and include dark wooden antique-style furniture, crimson brocaded bedspreads that match the curtains, glass chandeliers, and damask patterned armchairs. Large windows overlook the golf course or lakes, and rooms are equipped with binoculars for a bit of bird (or golf) watching. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, electronic safes, fluffy bathrobes and slippers, and free Wi-Fi, but lack minibars or mini-fridges. Lovely bathrooms have both freestanding claw-foot tubs as well as walk-in rainfall showers.

Independent Lodge Suites are also available with two or three bedrooms, each with separate living rooms and many with fully equipped kitchenettes.

The Lough Erne Resort has several (quite pricey) on-site dining options, which include the casual Loughside Bar and Grill, fine-dining at the 2 AA rosette Catalina Restaurant, a grazing menu and an extensive whiskey collection at the Blaney Bar, traditional afternoon tea at the Garden Hall, and light bites at the Halfway House, located behind the ninth green at the Faldo Golf Course. Chef Noel McMeel’s menus emphasize seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Some guests complain that restaurant service could be better.

There are two championship golf courses on the property: the Faldo Course and the Castle Hume Golf Course. There is a state-of- the art Golf Academy, which offers lessons with video analysis, beginner golf schools, and clinics.

The authentic Thai spa has 10 treatment rooms and features traditional Thai therapies. The spa also has a light therapy sauna, crystal aroma steam room, exotic rain shower, and two relaxation rooms, as well as an indoor infinity pool. The fitness room is small, but offers an range of cardio- and weight-training equipment.